So that was it! The last preparation game for Greece just 10 days before the first real game against South Korea and it was a disappointing one. Much like the game against North Korea the defense was in a bad shape. The word ‘disarray’ comes to mind.
Coach Rehhagel said after the game that he drew useful conclusions from today’s game and he now knows how to play against South Korea. He also said that: ‘Our target is to be in good shape so that we win over South Korea. We have to be ready and play a strong game starting from the first minute.’
It is not obvious to me how Otto Rehhagel is going to put together a cohesive unit that plays strong, solid, disciplined defense in a short amount of time. We certainly have very good players but they seemed lost on the pitch trying to react instead of dictating the tempo, stumping all efforts, and grinding down their opponents. The players spend a lot of time defending close to the goal and a couple of times they cleared the ball on the goal line. That kind of effort is not going to win games.
Offensively there were a few bright spots, but Greece is not the kind of a team that can get in a shootout with any other team. We still rely on set pieces and counterattacks. We are going to score 1-2 goals but we need to be ahead. Cannot play catch up.
All in all it does seem that we should be happy by just participating in the 2010 World Cup. It certainly looks increasingly likely that we are going to play 3 games and then we go home.
Reports:
FIFA.com: Paraguay see off Greeks in friendly
IN.gr: Ήττα της Εθνικής από την Παραγουάη, αλλά με… κέρδη εν όψει Μουντιάλ
GOAL.com: Greece 0-2 Paraguay: La Albirroja Cruise To Easy Win In Switzerland
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